Boston Legacy FC signs first ever Mali international in NWSL Aïssata Traoré
BOSTON (July 10, 2025) – Boston Legacy FC has signed Mali international Aïssata Traoré to a three-year contract, running through the 2028 NWSL season. Traoré will remain on loan with her current club in the French top flight, FC Fleury 91; the NWSL has initiated the recall clause on Traoré’s loan deal to have her join the Legacy for the 2026 preseason as the first ever player from Mali to sign in the NWSL.
The 27-year-old forward, who hails from Mali’s capital city of Bamako, was first capped for the senior women’s national team in 2018. She was called up to Les Aiglonnes that year for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, helping Mali advance out of the group stage to semifinals. Traoré is currently with the Mali WNT, once again at WAFCON, as they attempt to surpass their 2018 result.
"She is comfortable on either foot, can score with her head, and is a goal threat from range as well as in the box."
In Traoré’s first season with Fleury during their 2024-25 campaign, she scored nine goals and created four assists in 20 games. Prior to that, she spent five seasons with French club Guingamp, and won a championship with Turkish club Beşiktaş J.K. in 2019.
“Aïssata is a versatile striker who can play multiple positions close to goal,” said general manager Domè Guasch. “She is comfortable on either foot, can score with her head, and is a goal threat from range as well as in the box. Most importantly, she is a team player that will help other players score goals as well.”
Legacy fans can watch Traoré and Mali at WAFCON throughout July on beIN Sports in the United States, available via Fubo and in Spanish on Fanatiz.
How to Watch the Mali International this Month at WAFCON
Traoré is currently representing Mali at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, giving Legacy fans their first look at the club's latest signing. Fans in the U.S. can watch the forward and her national team throughout July on beIN Sports, available via Fubo, or on Fanatiz in Spanish.
Mali’s Group Stage Schedule:
vs. Ghana – July 11 @ 12 p.m. ET
vs. South Africa – July 14 @ 3 p.m. ET
About Boston Legacy FC
Boston Legacy FC will add to Boston’s winning history as the 15 th team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) starting play in 2026. Founded and led by women, the club is committed to creating a home for the greatest female athletes of our time, relentlessly pursuing championships, cultivating a fan-first approach with community impact at its core, and forging new connections across our city through sport. For the latest, follow Legacy FC on social media: LinkedIn , Instagram , Twitter (X) , Tiktok , Bluesky , Facebook.
